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A Rotorua cricketer is in Waikato Hospital after a ball struck him in the head causing swelling to his brain.

Karl McKnight is in a stable condition at Waikato Hospital awaiting more scans after receiving a hit to the head from the ball while batting.

The incident has brought the mandatory wearing of helmets back into the limelight following the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes at the end of 2014.

Mr McKnight told the Rotorua Daily Post via Facebook he was not up to being interviewed at this stage because he was struggling with his words. He said in a message "I'm in the neuro ward in Hamilton struggling with words. More scans tomorrow but getting better".

"I have some swelling on the brain. Thought (it) was a trauma migraine ... very lucky. 1st time hit in head by ball and will always wear (a helmet) from now on."

Geyser City Cricket Club first team captain and fellow team mate Matt Collier said the ball was a back-of-the-length rising delivery which was misjudged by Mr McKnight. There was nothing vicious about the bowl, he said.

Mr McKnight was given immediate attention, with ice wrapped around his head and they got him walking and talking.

"He had a bit of a headache."

He said Mr McKnight had been alert and what action was taken was his call the whole time.

He slowly deteriorated as the game was ending and was then taken straight to Rotorua Hospital, Mr Collier said.